Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page. Please take a few moments to read my story.....

I am privileged to be running the 2017 London marathon on 23rd April in aid of Blind Veterans UK. Over 100 years ago, in July 1916, my Great Grandfather, Leonard Howell was totally blinded in the Battle of the Somme.

With the help of Blind Veterans UK, Leonard Howell (or Dah; as he was known to the family) began to study at the Incorporated Society of Trained Masseurs. Two years later he passed his exams which allowed him to become a fully qualified Chartered Physiotherapist. His son (my Grandfather) also became a Physiotherapist, and later my Aunt and Uncle trained in the profession. I grew up living above the family practice, and I wanted to follow in their footsteps from as long ago as I can remember.

I moved to Sheffield to train as a Physiotherapist in 1999, and qualified 3 years later. Although it would have been nice to go back home and continue the family legacy of the practice in Sussex, I decided to settle in Sheffield, and I have made Yorkshire my home. I love my work in private practice at the White House Physiotherapy clinic, and continue to feel the strong bond of my family in the Physiotherapy profession.
I have been training hard for my fourth London marathon, and if all goes well I hope to complete the 26.2mile course in a personal best and Championship qualifying time of under 2 hours and 45 minutes. I will be raising money in aid of Blind Veterans UK, and appreciate any contributions to this heartfelt cause.

Blind Veterans UK have been helping visually impaired ex-service men and women since 1915, by providing much-needed support to adjust to sight loss, overcome the challenges of blindness and enjoy daily life. The charity continues to help blind veterans lead independent and fulfilling lives through its services.

(my fundraising page photo shows my Great Grandfather during his Physiotherapy training at St Dunstan's. He is sitting to the right of the skelton) 

Further information:

www.blindveterans.org.uk/

www.facebook.com/search/top/?q=Blind%20Veterans%20UK%20leonard%20howell
http://www.surreyinthegreatwar.org.uk/story/leonard-howell-blinded-on-the-somme-saved-by-st-dunstans/

www.whitehouse-clinic.co.uk

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